Liverpool made a winning start to 2024, accumulating a record xG in their 4-2 victory over Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.
The Reds were full of attacking intent from minute one against Eddie Howe’s side and did not let a first-half Mo Salah penalty miss knock their confidence.
One negative to come from the win was an injury to Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian is expected to miss at least the next two matches with a hamstring strain. Jürgen Klopp is also without three senior defenders but is expecting Andy Robertson to return in the next few weeks.
Many onlookers have called for the club to add reinforcements in the transfer window. Some believe the priority should be look for a long-term replacement for Jöel Matip at centre-back, but others have suggested a left-back, holding midfielder and winger should be looked at.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight show, we asked experienced LFC reporter Neil Jones for his thoughts on the January transfer window.
What Would it take for Liverpool to Sign Inacio?
“I don’t think it’ll be one of them where we’re going to see loads of signings, or loads of offers made for players.
“Liverpool have shown that if there’s an opportunity, they’ll explore it. Circumstances will dictate a little bit over the next few weeks.
“If there’s a player that Liverpool have had their eye on for some time and there’s an opportunity to do it now, then that’ll be what they would do.
“I do think they should be in the market. I think they should let Nat Phillips go, and I think they should buy a centre-back.
“They’re more thinking… ‘If we can get ‘centre-back A’ which is the one we want anyway, then we will, or we’ll try,’ but I think they should be giving themselves the best possible chance for winning a lot. They could potentially win a lot this season, and I think buying another player just alleviates some of the pressure in the second half of the season, in that position.
“I don’t think Liverpool will buy a midfielder, personally. I think they’re more likely to buy a centre-back.
“Hedging my bets, I would say 60/40 they won’t do anything, providing the situation stays as it is – you don’t get any season-ending injuries or long-term injuries.”
‘Gonçalo Inácio would be ready for Liverpool transfer!’ – Portuguese Expert on Reds Target
Redmen Reacts
First and foremost, it should be remembered that Liverpool’s transfer policy under Jürgen Klopp has been generally very successful. The club have managed a complete midfield rebuild in just one window, with even the least heralded signing in Wataru Endo now looking like an inspired purchase. However, mistakes have been made in the past which have cost the club dearly. The ‘panic’ signings of Ozan Kabak, Ben Davies and Arthur did little to ease the respective injury crises they were born out of. The Reds are only a Joe Gomez knock away from being several short at the back. It would be extremely frustrating if a predictable injury crisis affected their ability to compete on four fronts. Or maybe there is nothing to worry about – Big Nat Phillips is back from his loan to save the day!
